Turmoil continues at Tennessee Democratic Party with executive director quitting

Turmoil continues at Tennessee Democratic Party with executive director quitting

NASHVILLE - The tumult continues at Tennessee's Democratic Party with the organization's executive director quitting.

State Democratic Party Chairman Roy Herron on Monday confirmed Kevin Teets had left but attributed the departure to Teets' decision leaving "to pursue new opportunities."

In his statement, Herron thanked Teets for his service and noted he "just led the Tennessee Democratic Party to its most successful Jackson Day [fundraiser] in years."

Herron said the party "doubled the gross and quintupled the amount raised at Jackson Day each of the last two years."

The fundraiser was held Saturday night and grossed some $350,000.

The Times Free Press first reported that hours earlier, Herron, who was elected chairman in January, was confronted in a state Democratic Executive Committee meeting by some rebellious members who complained about his executive style, some of his decisions and lack of communications with them.

The party's finance chairman and vice chairwoman announced their resignations at the meeting.

One executive committee member, whose wife was a long-time union official, openly complained about Herron's boast that he had cut staff to save money and was working staffers six days a week.

Some Democratic sources are wondering whether other party staffers may follow Teets' lead.

The two members who resigned from the finance committee, continue to serve on the state executive committee.